Home / Environment / Sydney Beaches Closed by Giant 'Fatberg' Balls
Sydney Beaches Closed by Giant 'Fatberg' Balls
21 Jan
Summary
- Giant fatberg, size of four buses, suspected source of sewage debris.
- Heavy rains caused 'sloughing events' releasing debris balls.
- Beaches warned of potential sewage pollution after debris appeared.
Recent heavy rainfall in Sydney has led to the appearance of foul-smelling "debris balls" on several beaches, including Malabar and Foreshore Beach, prompting warnings and closures.
Sydney Water has placed signs advising the public to avoid touching the debris, which consists of black, grey, and waxy lumps. These balls are believed to originate from a colossal fatberg, estimated to be the size of four buses, situated within the Malabar deepwater ocean sewer.
This massive buildup of fats, oils, and grease is thought to be in an "inaccessible dead zone." The debris balls are released during "sloughing events," which occur when pumping pressure changes suddenly, often due to events like heavy rain or power outages. The city experienced over 100mm of rainfall recently, exacerbating the issue.
Sydney Water is actively cleaning the affected beaches, removing wet wipes and grease chunks. While the company defends its use of deepwater ocean outfalls, stating they have met environmental standards for decades, this debris ball issue is considered an "unexpected event."
Efforts are underway to increase sewage processing at inland plants to produce recycled water, which may reduce the volume of wastewater sent through the aging ocean outfalls that began operating in 1990.
